Our view: David Drysdale embodies Gus Craig's community spirit

Posted: August 25, 2012 - 12:02am

The Salvation Army of St. Augustine honored businessman David Drysdale this week as the 15th recipient of its annual Gus Craig Award for outstanding leadership in giving back to St. Augustine and St. Johns County.

He embodies the example that the late A.H. “Gus” Craig did in a lifetime of helping others. Whether it was quiet assistance to someone in need or, a major civic effort, Craig never said no.

Drysdale’s record of giving back speaks for itself. He has participated as a member and president or, chairman of various key boards including St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, Flagler Healthcare Systems, the former Barnett Bank of the St. Johns, and the Florida Attractions Association. He is currently chairman of the Board of Trustees of Flagler College and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lightner Museum.

Through his leadership at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, he has enhanced its value as an educational resource for elementary school through university level students. His commitment led to the Alligator Farm’s successful quest for accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and its continued recognition nationally and internationally in the conservation of threatened and endangered species.

Drysdale follows the example set by his parents — Irving “Driz” Drysdale and Evelyn “Evie” Drysdale, both longtime community volunteers in their lifetimes. His father initiated the creation of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and helped lead the city’s 400th anniversary in 1965.

We asked Rev. Thomas Willis, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine of which Drysdale is a parishioner, for his perspective. Drysdale recently accepted an appointment to the parish finance council. Willis is grateful for his doing so and noted also another trait that may not be as readily apparent. “David and his family know the significant place that St. Augustine has in the history of our nation and they are proud of that heritage,” Willis said. “So much of what they do in philanthropy and promotion of our beloved town is to enhance it for succeeding generations.”

Craig would have endorsed Drysdale’s nomination for the Gus Craig award wholeheartedly. Drysdale is a community volunteer, conservationist, and generous supporter financially and time wise of community organizations and civic causes. Gary E. Bruce, chair of the Salvation Army Council of St. Johns County, said Drysdale “has a positive impact on the lives of our citizens, our students and our visitors, on a daily basis. Art and education enrich our individual lives and the fabric of our community.”

We agree.

We congratulate David Drysdale as an outstanding example of leadership and community service and thank his family for sharing him with the rest of us.